Spindles Farm horse trader sentenced

Horse trader James Gray is beginning an eight-month jail sentence today after being sentenced to a further two months in prison for breaking his bail conditions.

Gray was re-sentenced during a short hearing at Aylesbury Crown Court this morning after he was arrested yesterday.

RSPCA chief inspector Rob Skinner said: "I’m pleased the police tracked Gray down and that he is now serving a sentence which reflects the severity of the cruelty suffered by so many horses, ponies and donkeys.

"This investigation has been one of our biggest ever and has so far cost the RSPCA more than £2.3million, including veterinary treatment and care of the rescued horses. It is thanks to the RSPCA’s hard work and expertise that this case has been successfully brought to court."

Police arrested Gray between junctions 4a and 5 on the northbound carriageway of the M5 near Bromsgrove during a random spot check.

Gray (46) absconded from Aylesbury Crown Court on Wednesday 12 May as both he and his family were hearing their appeal against sentence for animal welfare offences1.

After breaking to consider the sentences, the court reconvened in the afternoon. It was then that court staff realised Gray was missing.

Gray was sentenced in his absence to six months in prison for cruelty to more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys.

His wife Julie and daughters Jodie and Cordelia Gray were also unsuccessful in their appeals. They will have to complete 150 hours of community service and are banned from keeping equines for 10 years.

James Gray Junior was acquitted of two charges but convicted of the rest. He has to complete an 18-month supervision order and is banned from keeping equines for 10 years2.